Polymercaptan modifier vinyl halide polymers

ABSTRACT

VINYL HALIDE POLYMERS WHICH EXHIBIT IMPROVED PROCESSING CHARACTERISTICS WITHOUT SACRIFICING PHYSICAL PROPERTIES ARE PREPARED BY POLYMERIZING VINYL HALIDE MONOMER IN THREE MERCAPTAN GROUPS IN AN AMOUNT BASED ON -SH EQUIVALENCE OF FROM ABOUT 0.00015 TO ABOUT 0.05 EQUIVALENCE -SH PER MOLE OF MONOMERIC MATERIAL. THE MONOMER IS PREFERABLY 100% VINYL CHLORIDE THROUGH MIXTURES CONTAINING A PREDOMINANT AMOUNT OF VINYL CHLORIDE WITH MINOR AMOUNTS OF OTHER ETHYLENICALLY UNSATURATED MONOMERS CAN ALSO BE USED.

United States Patent 01 ice 3,696,083 POLYMERCAPTAN MODIFIER VINYL HALIDE POLYMERS Jesse C. H. Hwa, Stamford, Conn., assignor to Staulier Chemical Company, New York, NY.

N Drawing. Continuation of application Ser. No. 664,903, Sept. 1, 1967. This application Oct. 27, 1970, Ser. No. 84,470

Int. Cl. 008g 23/00 US. Cl. 260-79 12 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Vinyl halide polymers which exhibit improved processing characteristics without sacrificing physical properties are prepared by polymerizing vinyl halide monomer in the presence of an aliphatic polymercaptan having at least three mercaptan groups in an amount based on SH equivalence of from about 0.00015 to about 0.05 equivalence SH per mole of monomeric material. The monomer is preferably 100% vinyl chloride though mixtures containing a predominant amount of vinyl chloride with minor amounts of other ethylenically unsaturated monomers can also be used.

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 664,903 filed Sept. 1, 1967 and now abandoned.

The present invention is directed to a process for preparing vinyl halide polymers which exhibit improved processing characteristics Without sacrificing physical properties. Particularly, the present invention relates to vinyl halide polymers prepared by polymerizing a moonmer composition which is predominantly vinyl halide in the presence of an aliphatic polymercaptan compound having at least 3 mercaptan groups in an amount based on SH equivalence of from about 0.00015 to about 0.05 equivalence SH per mole of monomer in the monomer composition material. As used herein, the term per mole of monomer in the monomer composition is intended to be based on the additive total of the number of moles or fractions thereof of each monomer in the monomer composition used in preparing the polymer. The term SH equivalence is intended to be based on the number of functional mercaptan groups pressed in the polymercaptan compound. Equivalence is computed by the following formula:

number-SH groups/compound molecular weight of compound Xamount of compound used in grams/mole of monomer=equivalence degradation of the polymer, apparently by the release of hydrochloric acid to form double bonds on the polymer chain which are then sites for cross-linking. Free radicals are also formed in the dehydrohalogenation reaction and, in the presence of oxygen, peroxide groups are also 3,696,083 Patented Oct. 3, 1972 formed. The total effect is to cause the polymer to blacken in color and cross-link to an infusable and useless material. The thermal stability of the polymer is an important factor in that polyvinyl chloride is a thermoplastic polymer and therefore must be heated to the fluxing point in order to process the polymer into useable products. At the temperatures at which polyvinyl chloride begins to flow or flux so as to allow for processing by calendering, blow molding, or extruding, the polymer begins to degrade. An increase in processing temperature to allow for faster processing increases the degradation rate further. While the slight degree of degradation during processing is tolerated by processors, it is still considered a property which desirably should be eliminated.

Polyvinyl halide polymers also have the disadvantage that they are not easily soluble in solvents and therefore have limited use in the area of solution coatings, and if solution coatings are made the adherence of the coating to the coated substrate is generally poor. The use of another ethylenically unsaturated monomer, such as vinyl acetate in combination with the vinyl chloride, can generally provide a copolymer which has improved solution properties but this is accomplished at the sacrifice of the desirable physical property characteristics of the pure vinyl chloride type polymer.

It has now been unexpectedly found that vinyl halide polymers can be prepared which exhibit improved thermal stability and lower fluxing or flowing characteristics so as to allow for easier processing of the polymer without sacrificing physical properties.

It has also now been unexpectedly found that vinyl halide polymers having improved solvent solubility can be prepared and utilized as solution coating compositions which exhibit improved adhesion to a substrate without sacrificing the physical properties of the polyvinyl halide polymer.-

-In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a process for preparing vinyl halide polymers which exhibit improved processing characteristics and thermal stability without the loss of physical properties, which process comprises polymerizing in the presence of a free radical initiator an ethylenically unsaturated monomer composition containing a predominant amount of vinyl halide monomer of the formula:

/Hal C 2 C wherein Z is hydrogen or halogen and Hal means halogen, the term halogen as used herein including fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine, in the presence of an aliphatic polymercaptan compound having at least three mercaptan groups in an amount based on SH equivalents of from about 0.00015 to about 0.05 equivalence SH per mole of monomer in the monomer composition. Surprisingly, the polymers formed are thermoplastic polymers of high molecular weight which are characterized by physical properties commensurate with polymers of equal molecular weight formulated by polymerization in the absence of the polymercaptan material with the additional advantage that the fluxing temperature of the polymers is decreased so as to provide improved processing characteristics and also the thermal stability of the polymer is increased over a polymer of comparable molecular weight. The decrease in fluxing temperature allows for the processing of the polymer under thermal conditions which are less conducive to degradation without the sacrifice of physical properties which the polymer is capable of providing.

The exact chemical nature of the polymer which is formed by the process of the present invention is not known. The polymercaptan is chemically reacted into the polymer during polymerization. In theory, it is believed that the polymercaptan in some way chemically modifies the polymeric structure, possibly by the formation of a more highly branched polymer than one prepared in the absence of the polymercaptan. Because of the amount used, the unexpected results cannot be explained on the basis of a physical admixture wherein the polymercaptan exhibits some plasticizing effect. Also, the thermal stabilizing effect cannot be explained on the basis of a physical admixture of the polymercaptan with the polymer as analytical experiments fail to show the presence of any free mercaptan groups in the polymer product. The foregoing is theory and applicant is not intended to be bound thereby.

The vinyl halide monomers included within the formula given above that can be used in the present invention include, for example, vinyl fluoride, vinyl chloride, vinyl bromide, vinyl iodide, vinylidene fluoride, vinylidene chloride vinylidene bromide, vinylidene iodide and the like, though vinyl chloride is preferred. The formula is intended to include all whale-substituted ethylenically unsaturated materials which are included within the limits of the formula and which are capable of entering into an addition polymerization reaction. The polymers of the present invention can be formed of the same or different monomer materials falling within the formula and, thus, the invention is intended to cover homopolymers, copolymers, terpolymers, and interpolymers formed by the addition polymerization of the materials falling within the formula. Illustrative of these copolymers is a copolymer of vinyl chloride and vinylidene chloride. The term vinyl halide as used in the claims is intended to include both homo and copolymers of compounds falling within the given formula.

While it is preferred that the monomer composition be comprised totally of vinyl halide monomer, the present invention is also intended to include copolymers formed by the free radical addition polymerization of a monomer composition containing a predominant amount, e.g., at least 50% of vinyl halide and a minor amount, e.g., up to 50% by weight of another ethylenically unsaturated monomer material copolymerizable therewith. Preferably, the other ethylenically unsaturated monomer material is used in amounts of less than 25% by weight and more preferably in amounts less than 10% by weight of the total monomer materials used in preparing the polymer. Suitable ethylenically unsaturated monomer materials which can be used are those which can be copolymerized with the vinyl halide monomer and which do not have reactive groups which would interfere with the reactive nature of the mercaptan group and prevent the mercaptan from performing its chemical function in the reaction mixture so as to provide the desired final product. Illustrative of suitable material which can be used to form copolymers, terpolymers, interpolymers and the like are the following: monoolefinic hydrocarbons, i.e., monomers containing only carbon and hydrogen, including such materials as ethylene, propylene, 3-methylbutene-l, 4- methylpentene-l, pentene-1,3,3-dimethylbutene-1, 4,4-dimethylbutene-l, octene-l, decene-l, styrene and its nuclear or alpha-alkyl or aryl substituted derivatives, e.g., mor p-methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl styrene; alphamethyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl styrene; phenyl styrene; and halogenated styrenes such as alpha-chlorostyrene; monoolefinically unsaturated esters including vinyl esters, e.g., vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate, vinyl butyrate, vinyl stearate, vinyl benzoate, vinyl-p-chlorobenzoates; alkyl methacrylates, e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl and butyl methacrylate; octyl methacrylate, alkyl crotonates, e.g., octyl; alkyl acrylates, e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, 2-ethyl hexyl, stearyl, hydroxyethyl and tertiary butylamino acrylates; isopropenyl esters, e.g., isopropenyl acetate, isopropenyl propionate, isopropenyl butyrate and isopropenyl isobutyrate; isopropenyl halides, e.g., isopropenyl chloride; vinyl esters of halogenated acids, e.g., vinyl alphachloroacetate, vinyl alpha-chloropropionate and vinyl alphabromopropionate; allyl and methallyl esters, e.g., allyl chloride, allyl cyanide; allyl chlorocarbonate, allyl nitrate, allyl formate and allyl acetate and the corresponding methallyl compounds; esters of alkenyl alcohols, e.g., betaethyl allyl alcohol and beta-propyl allyl alcohol; haloakyl acrylates, e.g., methyl alpha-chloroacrylate, ethyl apha-chloroacrylate, methyl alpha-bromoacrylate, ethyl alpha-bromoacrylate, methyl alpha-fluoracrylate, ethyl alpha-fluoracrylate, methyl alpha-iodoacrylate and ethyl alpha iodoacrylate; alkyl alpha cyanoacrylates, e.g., methyl alpha-cyanoacrylate and ethyl alpha-cyanoacrylate; maleates, e.g., monomethyl maleate, monoethyl maleate, dimethyl maleate, diethyl maleate; and fumarates, e.g., monomethyl fumarate, monoethyl fumarate, dimethyl fumarate, diethyl fumarate; and diethyl glutaconate; monoolefinically unsaturated organic nitriles including, for example, fumaronitrile, acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, ethacrylonitrile, l,l-dicyanopropene-1, 3-octencnitrile, crotonitrile and oleonitrile; monoolefinically unsaturated carboxylic acids including, for example, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, crotonic acid, S-butenoic acid, cinnamic acid, maleic, fumaric and itaconic acids, maleic anhydride and the like. Amides of these acids, such as acrylamide, are also useful. Vinyl alkyl ethers and vinyl ethers, e.g., vinyl methyl ether, vinyl ethyl ether, vinyl propyl ether, vinyl n-butyl ether, vinyl isobutyl ether, vinyl 2- ethylhexyl ether, vinyl 2-chloroethyl ether, vinyl cetyl ether and the like; and vinyl sulfides, e.g., vinyl fi-chloroethyl sulfide, vinyl fi-ethoxyethyl sulfide and the like can also be included. Diolefinically unsaturated hydrocarbons containing two olefinic groups in conjugated relation and the halogen derivatives thereof, e.g., butadiene-1,3; 2- methyl-butadiene 1,3; 2,3 dimethylbutadiene-1,3; 2- chloro-butadiene-1,3; 2,3-dichloro-butadiene-1,3; and 2- bromo-butadiene-1,3 and the like.

Specific monomer compositions for forming copolymers can be illustrated by vinyl chloride and/ or vinylidene chloride and vinyl acetate, vinyl chloride and/or vinylidene chloride and maleic or fumaric acid esters, vinyl chloride and/or vinylidene chloride and acrylate or methacrylate ester, vinyl chloride and/or vinylidene chloride and vinyl alkyl ether. These are given as illustrative of the numerous combinations of monomers possible for the formation of copolymers. The present invention is intended to cover all such combinations which fall within the scope of the present invention. While these combinations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention, it is preferred that the polymer be formed from pure vinyl halide monomer and most preferably pure vinyl chloride.

The free radical polymerization of the monomer composition is conducted in the presence of an aliphatic polymercaptan having at least three mercaptan groups per molecule and is present in an amount based on -SH equivalence of from about 0.00015 to about 0.05 equivalence -SH per mole of monomer in the monomer composition. The term aliphatic polymercaptan is intended to include any polymercaptan wherein the mercaptan group is attached to the remainder of the molecule by means of an aliphatic carbon atom, e.g., a non-aromatic carbon atom. This can be represented by the formula:

wherein the free bonds of the carbon atom can be attached to aliphatic, aromatic or inorganic moieties and n is an integer of 3 and above. Thus, the polymercaptan includes aliphatic as well as aralkyl types. The polymercaptan compound can have a straight chain or branched chain molecular configuration. The compound can be symmetrical or unsymmetrical With regard to the SH functionality. The mercaptan group can be attached to a primary, secondary or tertiary carbon atom. Other functional groups, for example, ester groups, ether groups, amide groups, hydroxy groups, and the like, may also be present provided that they do not interfere with the reactive nature of the mercaptan group and prevent the mercaptan group from performing its chemical function in the reaction mixture so as to provide the desired final product. The polymercaptan compound can also be a low molecular weight polymer having at least 3 pendant mercaptan groups per molecule. The molecular weight of the polymeric polymercaptan is desirable less than 3000 for ease of use in the polymerization.

Illustrative of the various mercaptan containing moieties which moieties can comprise all or part of the mercaptan containing moieties which form the aliphatic polymercaptan compound for use in the present invention are:

srnn; Q-R-SH and the like wherein R is aliphatic and preferably an alkylene radical. These are given only as illustrative of the various mercaptan containing moieties which can be present either alone or in combination in the polymercaptan compound. Other moieties not specifically mentioned which are within the generic description of the polymercaptan are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Any desired polymercaptan compound may be used alone or in admixture with other polymercaptan compounds with equal facility. Therefore, it is intended that the term polymercaptan compound as used herein include not onyl pure polymercaptan compounds but also admixtures of various polymercaptans.

The amount of polymercaptan compound used in the process of the present invention is based on the functional equivalency of the mercaptan groups per mole of monomer used in forming the final polymer. Polymers can be prepared in accordance with the present invention by utilizing quantities of a polymercaptan compound sufficient to provide an SH equivalence of from about 0.00015 to about 0.05 equivalence SH per mole of monomer used to form the final polymer. Equivalency is computed in accordance with the following formula:

number SH groups] compound molecular weight of compound Xamount of compound used in grams/mole of monomer=equiva1ence the range of about 0.00015 to about 0.005, and more preferably within the range of about 0.0003 to about 0.002 SH equivalence per mole of monomer.

Suitable polymercaptan materials can be illustrated by pentaerythritol tri(7-mercaptoheptanoate) pentaerythritol tetra(7-mercaptoheptanoate), mercaptoacetic acid triglyceride,

pentaerythritol tri(beta-mercaptopropionate) pentaerythritol tetra beta-mercaptopropionate cellulose tri(alpha-mercaptoacetate), 1,2,3-propane-trithiol,

1,2,3,4neopentane-tetrathiol, 1,2,3,4,5,6-mercaptopoly(ethyleneoxy)ethyl(sorbitol), 1,1,1-trimethyl propane tri(alpha-mercaptoacetate), dipentaerythritol hexa(3-mercaptopropionate), 1,2,3-tris (alpha-mercaptoacetyl propane, thiopentaerythritol tetra alpha-mercaptoacetate) 1,6,10-trimercaptocyclododecane, 1,2,3,4,5,6hexamercaptocyclohexane, N,N',N",N-tetra(Z-mercaptoethyl)pyromellitamide, tri- Z-mercaptoethyl) nitrilotriacetate,

pentaerythritol tri(alpha-mercaptoacetate) pentaerythritol tetra(alpha-mercaptoacetate),

tri (p-mercaptomethylphenyl methane, 2,2,7,7-tetrakis(mercaptomethyl)-4,5-dimercaptooctane, 5,5,5-tri(mercaptoethyl)phosphorotrithioate,

xylitol penta(beta-mercaptopropionate) and the like.

Illustrative of low molecular Weight polymeric materials having at least 3 pendant mercaptan groups per molecule are homopolymers and copolymers of vinyl thiol, e.g., polyvinyl thiol. Other polymeric thiols, such as glycerol/ethylene glycol polyether polymercaptan can also be used.

It is preferred to use low molecular weight monomeric materials having from 3-5 mercaptan groups per molecule as illustrated by pentaerythritol tetrathioglycolate, pentaerythritol tetra(3-mercaptopropionate), trimethylolethane tri(3 mercaptopropionate), xylitol penta(beta-mercaptopropionate), trimethylolethane trithioglycolate, trimethylolpropane tri(3-mercaptopropionate) and trimethylolpropane trithioglycolate.

The foregoing materials are given as illustrative of polymercaptan'compounds having 3 to 5 mercaptan groups per molecule. It is intended that the above compounds are illustrative of and not limited to the various compounds within the preferred group of polymercaptans having from 3 to 5 mercaptan groups per molecule.

The free radical polymerization can, in accordance with the method of the present invention, be accomplished using mass, suspension, emulsion or solution techniques, though the use of the suspension technique is preferred. The various additives and conditions as used in such polymerization procedures are also useable in the operation of the method of the present invention. Variation of conditions of reaction depending on the type of monomer composition, catalyst or initiator system and type of procedure are within the purview of a skilled artisan.

Mass or bulk polymerization is initially a single phase reaction comprising the monomer and a monomer soluble catalyst or initiator. Preferably, and in the practice of the method of the present invention, a polymercaptan, such as 1,2,3-propanetrithiol, which is soluble in the monomer phase is used. Since mass polymerizations are highly exothermic, the reaction mixture should be vigorously agitated during the polymerization reaction to assist in heat dissipation so as to prevent the polymerization reaction from running away. Mass polymerization generally is conducted in the absence of any additives other than a free-radical initiator and hence is advantageous for the preparation of polymers having a minimum degree of contamination.

Suspension polymerization refers to the polymerization of monomer dispersed in a suspension medium which is a non-solvent for both the monomer and the polymer, generally water, utilizing, normally, a monomer soluble initiator. Suspension polymerization is similar to mass polymerization in that polymerization takes place within a monomer phase containing a monomer soluble initiator. However, the use of the suspension medium assists in the dissipation of the heat of reaction and therefore the polymerization reaction is easier to control. Suspension polymerization is generally accomplished by dispersing the monomer in the suspending medium either by constant agitation, by the use of a suspending agent or preferably both. Various suspending agents such as gelatin, hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, talc, clay, polyvinyl alcohol and the like can be used in the suspension polymerization of vinyl halide and these agents can be used in the method of the present invention. Other suspending agents which are known to be useful in the suspension polymerization of vinyl halides can also be used. The type and amount of the suspending agent used has, as is known, some influence on the particle size of the finally obtained product. The exact amounts of suspending agent and type can be selected by the skilled artisan so as to provide the particle size of product desired. Various other additives, such as thermal stabilizers, and the like, which are normally utilized in the polymerization can also be included. Suspension polymerization techniques are generally preferred in that the polymerization is easier to conduct and the product obtained has a particle size which is more easily handled and used by polymer processors.

Emulsion polymerization refers to the polymerization of a monomer dispersed in an aqeuous medium utilizing a water soluble catalyst or initiator and an emulsifying agent to maintain the monomer in its emulsified form. Emulsion polymerization differs from suspension polymerization in that the initiator in the emulsion polymerization is generally within the aqueous phase whereas the initiator in the suspension polymerization is generally within the monomer phase. In theory, the kinetics of the two types of polymerization seem to proceed along entirely different lines. Another distinction is that the emulsion polymerization provides polymer particles within the range of 0.1a to p. whereas the suspension polymerization provides much larger particles of product within the range of a to 1000 Various emulsifying agents such as sodium lauryl sulfate, potassium stearate, alkyl benzene sulfonate, ammonium dialkyl sulfosuccinate are known for use in polymerizing vinyl halides by emulsion techniques and can be used in the practice of the present invention. Other emulsifying agents which are also known to be useful in emulsion polymerization of vinyl halides can also be used. The exact amounts of the emulsifying agent and a type which is used are easily determined by the skilled artisan. In general, any of the additives such as catalysts and stabilizers, which are normally used in emulsion polymerization of vinyl halides can be utilized in the practice of the present invention. The product obtained from the emulsion polymerization which is in the form of a latex can be utilized per se or the latex can be coagulated to precipitate the polymer particles which can then be dried and processed into any desired form by polymer processor.

Solution polymerization is a process which requires the use of an inert liquid which is a solvent for the monomeric compounds used in forming the polymer which solvent may or may not be a solvent for the prepared polymer. The catalyst or initiators, if used, are of the same types as those used in the mass polymerization reaction. Solution polymerization has the advantage that the solvent, as in suspension polymerization, assists in the dissipation of the heat of reaction. The average molecular weight of polymers prepared by the use of solution polymerization techniques are generally lower than those obtained by the use of other polymerization techniques and this method can be effective in the production of low molecular weight vinyl halide polymers. In general, any of the additives such as catalysts and stabilizers which are normally used in solution polymerization of vinyl halides can be utilized in the practice of the present invention. The polymer is usually separated from the solvent and the solvent is recycled so as to make the process more economical. The solvents which are used in solution polymerization can be those in which only the monomer is soluble and those in which both the monomer and resulting polymer are soluble, the former solvents being preferred. Illustrative of the monomer soluble, polymer insoluble solvents which can be used in the performance of a solution polymerization of vinyl halides are: pentane, hexane, benzene, toluene and cyclohexane. Illustrative of monomer-polymer solvents which can be used in the solution polymerization of vinyl halides are: cyclohexanone, tetrahydrofuran, dimethyl sulfoxide, and dimethyl formamide. A mixture of solvents can also be used to reduce cost, e.g., as by the use of an expensive solvent diluted with an inexpensive non-solvent or Weak solvent. Illustrative of solvent mixtures are: tetrahydrofuran and toluene or petroleum ether. The foregoing solvents and mixtures are given as illustrative and are in no way intended to be inclusive of all the possible solvents and mixtures thereof which can be utilized.

The polymerization of the vinyl halide monomer is a free-radical polymerization reaction and should be conducted in the presence of a free-radical initiator. Useful free-radical initiators are organic or inorganic peroxides, persulfates, ozonides, hydroperoxides, peracids and percarbonates, azo compounds, diazonium salts, diazotates;

peroxysulfonates, trialkyl borane-oxygen systems, and amine oxides. Azodiisobutyronitrile is particularly useful in the present invention. The catalyst is used in concentrations ranging from about 0.01 to about 1.0% by weight based on the total weight of the monomers. For use in mass, suspension, and solution polymerization, the catalysts which are soluble in the organic phase, such as benzoyl peroxide, diacetyl peroxide, azobisisobutyronitrile or diisopropyl peroxydicarbonate, azobis (u-methyl-y-carboxybutyronitrile), caprylyl peroxide, lauroyl peroxide, azobisisobutyramidine hydrochloride, t-butyl peroxypivalate, 2,4-dichlorobenzoyl peroxide, azobis(ot-- -dimethylvaleronitrile) are generally used. For use in emulsion polymerization, water soluble catalysts such as ammonium persulfate, hydrogen peroxide are used. Preferably, the initiator which is used is chosen from a group of initiators known in the prior art as the hot catalysts or those which have a high degree of free-radical initiating activity. Initiators with a lower degree of activity are less desirable in that they require longer polymerization times. Also, long polymerization times may cause preliminary product degradation evidenced by color problems, e.g., pinking. Other known free radical initiating catalysts, such as light illumination or irradiation with gamma-ray can also be used. Catalysts which tend to cause ionic or coordination polymerization such as the Ziegler-type catalysts can be used in the present invention if organic solvents are used as the reaction medium.

The polymerization of the monomers is conducted at temperatures varying between C. to about C. for varying periods of time depending on the type of monomers utilized and the polymerization technique employed. The choice of a specific reaction temperature is dependent to a large extent on the initiator which is utilized and the rate of polymerization which is desired. Generally, for suspension polymerizations, temperatures of about 40 C. to 70 C. in the presence of an azo type initiator have been found to be effective.

It has also been found that the relative viscosity of the polymer can be affected by temperature. As the temperature increases, the relative viscosity of the polymer decreases. In theory, as the temperature increases so does the polymerization rate and therefore, the polymer tends to be more highly branched and have shorter polymer chains. It has been further found that the relative viscosity of the polymer is dependent on temperature and concentration of polymercaptan. Thus, by varying both temperature and concentration of polymercaptan, polymers of varying relative viscosities can be obtained and this provides greater latitude in the choice of polymerization conditions.

The time necessary for conducting a polymerization reaction again depends on the type of monomers, the temperature, and the type of initiator which are chosen. The amount of time necessary to effect a completion of a polymerization reaction is well Within the purview of a skilled artisan following his choice of monomer initiator and polymerization system.

In any of the foregoing polymerization procedures, any other additives which are now commonly utilized can be included within the polymerization mixture. Other procedures such as short-stopping the polymerization at a desired point can also be utilized in accordance with the present invention.

The polymerization products of the present'invention can be admixed with various conventional inert additives such as fillers, dyes, and pigments. Also'the polymerization products can be admixed with impact modifiers, plasticizers, lubricants, additional thermal stabilizers, and ultra-violet light stabilizers as desired.

The invention is further illustrated in the examples which follow:

EXAMPLES Suspension polymerization procedure Charge: Parts by weight (dry) Vinyl chloride 100 Deionized water 230 Polymercaptan See Table I Suspending agent 0.167 Initiator 3 0.067

1 Parts b weight of a commercially available blend of polymercaptans containing: 35 pentaerythritol tetra(3-mercaptopropionate) 35% pentaerythritol trl(3-mercapt0proionate) p =Hydrxymethylcellul0se. 3 Azobisisobutynonitnlle.

TABLE I Polymercaptan Relative viscosity -SH equivalence per A B I) Parts by mole of (44 (47 (51 (60 Example weight monomer C.) l O.) l C.) l C.) 1

1 Reaction temperature.

The polymerization procedure set forth above operates equally as well to provide the desired final product when other suspending agents, e.g., gelatin, polyvinyl alcohol, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, talc and clay, are used in place of the hydroxymethyl cellulose. Similarly, the azobisisobutyronitrile initiator can be replaced by lauroyl peroxide, diisopropylperoxy dicarbonate, or t-butyl peroxypivalate initiators.

The approximation of actual processing conditions and the determination of the processability of a polymer can be done in a laboratory by means of a fusion torque rheometer. The polymer in powdered form is placed in the instrument and is fused under the influence of heat and shear. The instrument, which is basically a dynamometer, measures the torque force required to maintain mixer rotors revolving at a constant speed while the polymer is being fused. The instrument comprises a heated rotor cavity of measured size having rotors of the Banbury mixer type mounted therein. The rotors are driven by an electric motor suspended between two bearing blocks through which extends the main shaft of the motor. A weighted balance bar is attached to the motor to compensate for the torque force required in operating the rotors. Attacted to the balance bar is a Weight measuring device which can be read visually and which is provided with a scribe for recording measured weights on a sheet of recording paper. A tachometer and control circuit is used to maintain the number of revolutions of the rotors constant. A circulatory oil temperature control system is used to control the temperature within the rotor cavity. The test comprises inserting a measured amount of polymer in powdered form into the rotor cavity and measuring the resistance torque on the rotors developed by the sample as it begins to melt. This resistance causes the electric motor to swing in a direction opposite the direction of shaft rotation. This swinging motion is transmitted by the balance bar to the weight measuring device which determines the number of meter-grams of reverse force necessary to offset the swinging motion and hence the torque being applied to the rotors. The torque generally rises from a low point when the sample of polymer is in powdered form to a high point at flux after which the torque subsides to an intermediate equilibrium point or equilibrium torque. The torque remains constant until the polymer degrades whereupon the torque increases due to polymer crosslinking. The equilibrium torque value determines the amount of water in meter-grams which must be applied to the polymer to process the same. The length of time the polymer remains at the equilibrium torque point before degrading is a measure of the thermal stability of the polymer. Another value indicative of stability is the rate of degradation as measured in meter-grams per minute. The faster the degradation, the less stable is the polymer. As used herein, polymers which degrade at a rate of from 0-25 metergrams per minute are denoted as having failed non-catastrophically, 25 to meter-grams per minute as semi-catastrophically and 100 meter-grams per minute and above as catastrophically. In the following Table II are reported values for fusion torque rheometer measurements made on the polymers of Examples 2D, 3D, 4C, 6D compared with the rheometer values of a control sample from Example 1D. Rheometer values for a medium molecular weight polyvinylchloride homopolymer and two low molecular weight homopolymers are also reported. The tests are conducted using a 60 cm. sample bowl using Banbury type rotors adjusted to operate at 60 revolutions per minute at a temperature of 355 F. The test samples comprise 100 parts by weight of polymer, 3 parts by weight of a stabilizer (Thermolite 31 which is a sulfurcontaining o'rganotin compound manufactured by Metal & Thermit Corporation, Rahway, NJ.) and 0.5 part by weight of a lubricant (calcium stearate). Values reported for fusion torque rheology are in meter-grams and are for equilibrium torque. The values for stability are the number of minutes that the polymer remains at the equilibrium point before degrading. Those with a plus a indicate that the test was conducted for the given number of minutes and that no gross failure in physical properties due to degradation (blacking, etc.) of the polymer samples had occurred during that time. The type of failure results corresponds to the rate ranges given hereinbefore. The table also gives relative viscosity values and tensile strength values.

the coated base. Also, solution coatings of the polymers of the present invention require less baking or drying to develop an adherent coating than comparable polymers not made in accordance with the invention.

The following are examples of the solvent solubility of a vinyl chloride polymer prepared in accordance with the method of Example 3D which has a relative viscosity of 1.66 (Polymer A) compared to a polyvinyl chloride TABLE II Equilibri- Stability um melt at equilib- Part vis. in rium melt I polymer- Relative meterin Tensile captan viscosity grams minutes Type 01' failure strength 0. 2.02 1, 800 18 Catastrophic 7, 700 0. 1 1. 82 1, 500 30 Non-catastrophic 0. 2 1. 72 1, 320 00 (1 8,000 0.3 1 71 1,170 8,010 0. 5 1 58 900 do Conventional polyvinyl chloride homopolymers Medium molecular weight 0.0 2. 12 2, 220 29 Catastropic 7, 790 Low molecular weight- 0. 0 l. 78 1, 500 43 Semi-catastrophic.-- 7, 490 D0 0.0 1. 61 1, 260 33 d0 7, 440

Norm-Relative viscosity is measured at C. using 1 gram of polymer dissolved in 100 grams of eyelehexanone in a Ubbelohde viscosimeter.

The polymers of the present invention also begin to fuse 30 homopolymer having a relative viscosity of 1.78 (Polyfaster than conventional polyvinyl chloride homopolymer and they reach the equilibrium melt point in less time.

As can be seen from a comparison of the data in Table II, it can be seen that the polymers of the present invention have lower torque rheology values than the control prepared under similar conditions. Also, it can be seen that the torque rheology values for the polymers of the present invention are lower than conventional polyvinyl chloride homopolymers having approximately the same relative viscosity. These rheology values indicate that the polymers of the present invention require less work to process than comparable polyvinyl chloride homopolymers, e.g., more easily processable. Also, and since the equilibrium torque point is related to both temperature and shear, the polymers of the present invention can be processed at shear rates comparable to conventional polyvinyl chloride homopolymers of the same approximate relative viscosity but at a lower temperature. Either case provides an area of economic saving for the polymer processor.

Also, the table shows that the polymers of the present invention have much longer stability times as compared to the control and comparable medium and low molecular weight conventional polyvinyl chloride homopolymers.

mer B). Viscosities in centipoises are determined at 25 using a Brookfield viscosimeter 24 hours after the solutions are prepared.

EXAMPLE 7 15 grams of Polymer A are dissolved in 85 grams of cyclohexanone with stirring at room temperature. The procedure is repeated using Polymer B, e.g., the polyvinyl chloride homopolymer. The viscosities are shown in Table III.

EXAMPLE 8 10 grams of Polymer A are dissolved in 90 grams of methyl ethyl ketone with stirring at C. The procedure is repeated using Polymer B, e.g., the polyvinyl chloride homopolymer. The viscosities are shown in Table III.

EXAMPLE 9 11 grams of Polymer A are dissolved in a mixture of 10 grams of cyclohexanone and 40 grams of methyl ethyl ketone at 60 C. with stirring. 50 grams of toluene are stirred in to form a clear solution. The procedure is repeated using Polymer B, e.g., the polyvinyl chloride homopolymer. The viscosities are shown in Table III.

TABLE III Example 7 Example 9 15% solu- Example 8 11% solution in 10% solution in cyclohextion in mixed anone MEK solvents Polymer A (polymer of invention), c.p.s 305 22 38 Polymer B (PVC homopolymer), c.p.s- 395 33 104 Solutions in mixed solvents prepared in accordance with Example 9 are applied to metallic test panels using a 6 mil draw-down bar. The panels are then air dried for 15-20 seconds and then are dried for a controlled period of time in a recirculating air oven. Adhesion tests are then conducted to determine if the drying time is sufiicient to provide an adherent film. Adhesion is determined on the coated panels 24 hours after removal from the oven using the cellophane tape test. In this test, the coating is cross-hatched with a sharp knife to the substrate, the

lines being ,5 apart. Cellophane tape is firmly pressed on the scored area and is rapidly pulled away from the coating. Ratings of the test are as follows:

Excellent-No coating removed. Good-Very slight coating removal at knife marks.

14 as little as about 25% by weight and as much as about 75% by weight based on the total weight of the blend can be used. A 50/50 blend has been found to be highly effective. The following Table V gives comparative results of toughness tests applied to conventional homopolymers g g gg figig z gg and to a blend of one of the homopolymers with a polyt l m algof mer of the present invention. The test utilized in comcry oor o a re 0v cOa piling the data is an ASTM test titled Tensile Impact TABLE Iv Energy To Break Plastics and Electrical Insulating Ma- Pfolymerl l0 terials which is designated lf)l8(2i26llg.ll3asicallg, a polyexam!" mer sample in the shape 0 a um e or a one type '1 3D VC Temperature me P dog biscuit is clamped to a free swinging pendulum. The Base 1.Aluminum coated vivgtli chrorlnic pthosphate and oxides at level other d f h Sample i l d i a crosshead clamp 111 t o g Sq WhlCh is of greater w1dth than the pendulum. An anvil 322% g8 g g composed of two blocks separated a sufiicient width to 2 1: P allow the pendulum to pass therebetween but not the P crosshead clamp is provided and is attached to a standard- Base 2.Aluminum coated with chromium oxide and aluminum oxide. ized tension impact machine. The energy to fracture the P sample by shock in tension is determined by the kinetic 30 seconds E E energy developed at the instant the travel of the cross- 45 E E head is arrested during the process of breaking the sam- 425 F 60 seconds.. E E

d h h t h in i t 1 t 1 fl 1 ple. The energy absorbed in the break is reported In foot- Base3.-Steelcoate with zincp osp a e av g n erna crys a re nng agent atlevel 150475 lug/Sm in pounds per square inch of min mum cross sectional area a of the sample. Also important 1n this test is the manner 232.? gggggfigiz X5, in which the sample breaks and the number of such 42521:-.. 46seconds.- g yP breaks. If the sample breaks clean with no stress whiten- 425 F P ing or elongation, it is denoted a brittle break and is Base 4.--Steel coated with accelerated Eon phosphate at levels of 50-120 indicative of the brittleness Of the polymer. If the sample mgJSq' shows elongation and stress whitening at the break, it is gs g8 seggggsnw li-g li denoted a ductile break and is indicative of the ductility 111; 1:: gg gjjjjj E 3 or toughness of the polymer. If, out of 10 samples, ama- 425F fiosecmdsn-u E jority of breaks are brittle, the polymer is considered Base 5.Electr0lytic tin plate brittle and if a majority are ductile, the polymer is confioppmnflq VP 3 sidered ductile. Also, the energies absorbed in breaking 300w 10minutes---- E E the sample show the toughness of the polymer in that Base 6 C01dm11edstee1 llovtilabgorbgd energy values indicate a brittle polymer and E P g S0r ed energy values indicate a ductile or tough polymer.

TABLE V Fusion Tensile impact rheometer equivalent Brittle Energy Ductile Energy Polymer torque Stability breaks absorbed breaks absorbed 1. Polymer of present invention (A) 1,080 90+ 3 24 2 101 2. Conventional PVC homopolymer rel. v s. 2.12- 2, 220 29 2 24 7 150 3. Conventional PVC homopolymer rel. vls. 1.78- 1, 500 43 7 20 2 122 /60 blend of l and 2 1, 560 52 0 0 10 133 NOTE-(A) =A polymer prepared in accordance with the procedure of Example 3D having a relative viscosity of 1.68.

As the above data indicates, coatings applied from solutions containing the polymers prepared in accordance with the present invention require less drying time to develop excellent adhesion than coatings of comparable polyvinyl chloride homopolymer. Also, the polymers prepared in accordance with the invention allow for'the preparation of more adherent coatings than those of a comparable polyvinyl chloride homopolymer.

The polymers of the present invention can also be advantageously used in blends with other polymer materials such as polyvinyl chloride homopolymers. The polymercaptan modified polymers of the invention provide a blended polymer material having a reduced equilibrium torque value and an increased thermal stability time as compared to the pure polyvinyl chloride homopolymer which is used in forming the blends. Also, the polymers of the present invention provide a polymer blend which has increased toughness as compared to the toughness of the pure homopolymer used in forming the blend. The increased toughness is directly attributable to the blend in that comparisons with polyvinyl chloride homopolymers of the same equilibrium torque as the blend show that products formed from the blended polymer material are tougher than those of the pure homopolymer. The amount of the polymer of the present invention which is blended is dependent on the results desired. Generally,

Chemical analysis has failed to elucidate the exact structure of the polymer formed by the process of the present invention. Within the limits of experimental accuracy of the chemical analysis tests, various facts have been uncovered which gives an indication as to the structure of the polymer which is formed. It is to be understood that the following data is subject to experimental error and limitation and is not to be considered absolute. The indications of structure based on the experimental analysis data are to be considered only as theory and are given only to provide a possible explanation for the results obtained by this invention.

Sulfur analysis tests indicate that substantially all of the mercapto sulfur is present in the finally prepared polymer. Titrations to detect free mercaptan groups indicate the absence of free mercaptan groups in the polymer. Because of the small quantities of polymercaptan used and the limitations of the test as to sensitivity, the absence of free mercaptan groups is not to be considered absolute. Mass spectrometry and thin layer chromatography tests did not show the presence of any unreacted polymercaptan in the polymer. Tests for disulfide linkages also proved negative. Tests were also conducted on the polymer of Example 3D which was prepared using a polymercaptan having ester carbonyl linkages to determine if the structure of the polymercaptan compound was affected during 1 5 polymerization. These tests also proved negative. Since the polymercaptan used in Example 3D is based on pentaerythritol, tests were also conducted to determine whether or not the neopentyl group of the pentaerythritol re- 1 6 EXAMPLE 11 Using the suspension polymerization procedure at 60 C., a polymer is prepared wherein the initiator is t-butyl peroxypivalate, the suspending agent is gelatin and wherein mained in the polymer. A positive result was obtained 5 02 Part (000103 equivalence per mole of mono m these i The foregomg t mdlcates h the PO mer) of pure tetramercaptopentaerythritol is used as the mercaptan 1s reacted with and incorporated into the polyolymercaptan mer. In theory, a polymer structure is formed which has p EXAMPLE 12 as its central moiety the residue of the polymercaptan and polymer chains extending from each sulfur atom as it 1s Using the suspension polymerization procedure at known that mercapto hydrogen atoms 9 a C., a polymer is prepared wherein the initiator is diisopro- FP Compound can removed durlng Polymenza' pylperoxydicarbonate, the suspending agent is polyvinyl to form a free rad1ca1 at h u1fur Sue and hence alcohol and wherein 0.06 part (0.00063 SH equivalence a site for free radical polymerization. In other words, per mole of monomer) of 1,35 trimercaptocyc1ohexane is a branched polymer having long polymer chain branches 15 used as the polymercaptan. is formed. Molecular weight determinations further support this theory. Absolute molecular weight values are ob- EXAMPLE 13 tained using light scattering photometry which is substantially unaffected y P y Structure other methods of Using the aforedescribed suspension polymerization proobtaining molecular weight values, such as gel permecedure at 58 C., a polymer is prepared wherein the ation chromatography (GPC) and solution viscosity are initiator is azobisisobutyronitrile, the suspending agent is affected by polymer structure and these tests give r l hydroxymethyl cellulose and wherein 0.214 part (0.0016 tive numbers based on molecular size or hydrodynamic SH equivalence per mole of monomer) of dipcntaeryth- Volume, 2-, the Space Occupied y the P y moleculeritol hexa(3 mercaptoprionate) is used as the polymercap- These tests give apparent molecular weight. A molecule tan. A good yield of polymer having a relative viscosity of of a branched polymer of the same molecular weight as 1.87 is obtained. a molecule of a linear polymer would be more compact EXAMPLE 14 and thus have a smaller hydrodynamic volume. Theoretically, the absolute molecular weight and the apparent A polymer is prepared using the aforedescribed suspenmolecular weight of a linear polymer should be the same sion polymerization procedure at 58 C. wherein the and the absolute molecular weight of a branched polymer initiator is azobisisobutyronitrile, suspending agent is should be different from the apparent molecular weight. hydroxymethyl cellulose and wherein 1.5 parts (0.001 Therefore, the ratio of absolute to apparent molecular -SH equivalence per mole of monomer) of polyvinyl weight should give an indication of whether or not the thiol having a molecular weight of about 480 and having polymer is branched and this ratio should allow comparian average of 8 mercaptan groups per molecule is used as son of various polymers regardless of molecular weight. the polymercaptan. The following Table VI shows the molecular weights and EXAMPLE 15 their ratio of a polymer prepared in accordance with Example 3D having a relative viscosity of 1.70 and those A polymer is prepared by repeating Example 12 using a of two conventional polyvinyl chloride homopolymers. reaction vessel having an inlet valve. The charge with the As can be seen, the ratio of absolute to apparent molecexception of the polymercaptan is placed in the vessel and ular weight is 1 for the conventional polyvinyl chloride polymerization is initiated. The polymercaptan is increhomopolymers indicating a linear polymer whereas the mentally added through the inlet valve to the reaction vesratio for the polymer of the present invention is 1.4 insel during the first hour of reaction. dicatingabranched polymer. Polymers are also prepared using the aforedescribed TAB LE VI Absolute molecular Apparent wieght molecular weight Ratio Relative by light absoiute/ Polymer viscosity scattering GPO Viscosity apparent Polymer of present invention 1. 70 88 64 63 1. 4 P 1.78 65 65 66 1.0 PVC 2.12 93 9s 92 1.0

molecular weight value.

Thus, and in theory, analytical data seems to indicate the 0 suspension polymerization procedure and using the followformation of a branched polymer by the incorporation of the polymercaptan into the polymer. The foregoing is theory and applicant presents the foregoing only as a possible explanation of the results obtained in performing the process of the present invention and applicant does not intend to be bound thereby.

EXAMPLE 10 ing materials:

Example:

16.-...- 0.196 part (0. 010 SE equivalence per mole of monomer) of MN, N, N, N-tetra(2-mercaptoethyl) pyromellitam e.

17 0.117 part (0.0008 SH equivalence per mole of monomer of tri(2-mercaptoethyl) nitriloacetate.

18. 155 parts oi vlnylidene chloride (1.6 moles) in place 01 the 100 parts vinyl chloride used in Example 3D.

19 parts vinyl chloride and 15.5 parts vinylidene chloride (mole ratio 9/1) in place of the parts vinyl chloride used in Example 3D.

20 90 parts vinyl chloride and 13.75 parts vinyl acetate (mole ratio 9/1) in place of the 100 parts vinyl chloride used in Example 3D.

21 80 parts vinyl chloride, 15.5 parts vinylidene chloride and 27.5 parts diethyl iumarate (mole ratio 8/1/1) in place of the 100 parts vinyl chloride used in Example 3D.

22 0.189 part (0.001 SH equivalence per mole of monomer) of xylitol penta(beta-mercaptopropionate).

Emulsion polymerization procedure Vinyl chloride 100 Deionized water 230 Sodium lauryl sulfate 2.0 Potassium persulfate 0.1 Sodium bicarbonate 0.05

Polymercaptan.

EXAMPLE 23 Using the emulsion polymerization procedure at 8 C., a stable latex is obtained at 100% monomer conversion using as polymercaptan 0.1 part of the polymercaptan blend which is used and described in Examples 2 to 6. The latex is coagulated by drying to obtain polymer having a relative viscosity of 1.99. Replacement of the potassium persulfate/sodium bicarbonate initiator system with copper sulfate/hydrogen peroxide or potassium persulfate/ potassium metabisulfite/Fe++ initiator systems provides equal results. Other emulsifying agents such as sodium ethylhexyl sulfate and sodium di-n-hexylsulfosuccinate can be used in place of the sodium lauryl sulfate with equal facility.

Solution polymerization procedure Vinyl chloride 100 Hexane 200 Azobisisobutyronitrile 0.1 Polymercaptan.

EXAMPLE 24 Using the solution polymerization procedure at 58 C., a polymer is prepared using as polymercaptan 0.2 part of the polymercaptan blend used and described in Examples 2 to 6. Polymer particles precipitate from the vinyl chloride/hexane solution as formed. Polymer particles are separated from the reaction mixture by filtration and dry to a fine white powder. Equal results can be obtained using other organosoluble initiators as lauroyl peroxide, diisopropyl-peroxydicarbonate and t-butyl peroxypivalate in place of the azobisisobutyronitrile initiator. Also, other hydrocarbon solvent systems, such as: pentane, benzene, toluene, cyclohexanone, cyclohexane, tetrahydrofuran, dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethyl formamide and mixtures thereof can be used.

Mass or bulk polymerization procedure The reaction mixture or charge is sealed in a one quart soda bottle, the bottle is immersed in a constant temperature bath and the polymerization reaction is allowed to proceed for approximately 2 /2 hours (approximately 20 to 35% monomer conversion). The reaction is stopped by chilling the bottle in cold water and then Dry Ice followed by venting any remaining monomer. Agitation during polymerization is provided by rotating the bottle end over end at 41 revolutions per minute. The charge con- 18 sists of the following materials in amounts given in approximate parts by weight:

Parts by weight (dry) Vinyl chloride 100 Azobisisobutyronitrile 0.1 Polymercaptan.

EXAMPLE 25 Using the bulk polymerization procedure at 50 (3., a polymer is prepared using 0.2 part of the blend of polymercaptans as used and described in Examples 2 to 6. A fluify white powder is obtained. Substitution of the azobisisobutyronitrile initiator with other organo-soluble initiators such as lauroyl peroxide, diisopropylperoxydicarbonate or t-butyl peroxypi-valate provides similar results.

Using the aforedescribed emulsion, solution or bulk polymerization procedures, polymers are obtained using:

Example:

26.-...- 0.109 part (0.00053 SH equivalence per mole of monomer) oi trimethylolpropane tri(ll-mercaptopropionate).

27- 0.2 part (0.00103 SH equivalence per mole of monomer) of tetramercaptopentaerythritol.

28---..- 0.06 part (0.00063 SH equivalence per mole of monomer) of 1,3,fi-trimercaptocyclohexane.

29 0.214 part (0.0016 SH equivalence per mole of monomer) of dipentaerythrito hexa(IS-mercaptopropionate).

30---... 1.5 parts (0.001 SH equivalence per mole of monomer) of polyvinyl thio having a molecular weight of about 480 and an average of about 8 mercaptan groups per molecu 31 0.196 part (0.0010 -SH equivalence per mole of monomer 0mdN,N,N,N -tetra(2-mercaptoethyl) pyromellita e.

32 0.117 part (0.0008 SH equivalence per mole of monomer) of tri(2-meroaptoethyl) nitriloacetate.

33 155 parts of vinylidene chloride (1.6 moles) in place of the 100 parts vinyl chloride using the polymercaptan described in Example 3D.

34 90 parts vinyl chloride and 15.5 parts vinylidene chloride (mole ratio 9/1) in place of the 100 parts vlnyl chloride using the polymercaptan described In Example 3D.

35 parts vinyl chloride, 15.5 parts vinylidene chloride and 27.5 parts diethyl fumarate (mole ratio 8/1/1) in place of the 100 parts vinyl chloride using the polymercaptan described in Example 3D.

36 parts vinyl chloride and 13.75 parts vinyl acetate (mole ratio 9/1) in place of the parts vinyl chloride using the polymercaptan described in Example 3D 37 0.189 part (0.001 SH equivalence per mole of monomer) of xylitol penta(beta-mercaptopropionate) 38 80 parts vinyl chloride and 41.5 parts monomethyl maleate (8/2 mole ratio) in place of the 100 parts vinyl chloride using the polymercaptan described in Example 3D.

39 90 parts vinyl chloride and 16 parts ethyl acrylate (9/1 mole ratio) in place of the 100 parts'vmyl chloride using the polymercaptan described in Example 6D.

40 90 parts vinyl chloride and 8.5 parts acrylomtrile (9/1 mole ratio) in place of the 100 parts vinyl chloride using the polymercaptan described in Example 3D.

41 90 parts vinyl chloride and 11.5 parts vinyl ethyl ether (9/1 mole ratio) using the polymercaptan described in Example 3D.

The foregoing examples have illustrated the method of the present invention using vinyl chloride and vinylidene chloride as the vinyl halide monomer. Other vinyl halide monomers such as vinyl bromide, vinyl iodide, vinylidene bromide, vinylidene iodide and mixtures thereof can be substituted for the vinyl chloride with equal facility. Vinyl fluoride and vinylidene fluoride which have very low vapor pressures can also be used in high pressure polymerization vessels.

Various copolymers and terpolymers using non-vinyl halide type monomers in combination with the vinyl halide monomer has also been illustrated. Any other nonvinyl halide monomer such as those listed heretofore can be substituted with equal facility to prepare copolymers and terpolymers.

The polymers prepared in accordance with the present invention can be used in applications such as the preparation of calendered film, blow molded bottles, extruded flat bed and blown film, extruded articles, tubing, in injection molding, fluidized bed coating, electrostatic powder spraying, rotational casting, foamed back vinyl flooring as a plastisol replacement, as a fabric coating, as a paper impregnating solution, as metallic surface coating solutions, additives to other polymers to increase toughness of the resulting blend or wherever polyvinyl chloride is 19 presently used. It is understood that the polymers of the invention and their solvent solutions can be compounded with additives usually employed in the coating, impregnating and molding composition arts.

Thus, and in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for the preparation of a new class of vinyl halide polymers which exhibit improved processing characteristics, improved thermal stability without sacrificing physical properties and which polymers provide unexpected advantages 'when used in the formation of solution coating compositions and when blended with other polymer materials.

What is claimed is:

1. An improved vinyl halide polymer which exhibits improved processing characteristics without sacrificing physical properties prepared by the free-radical polymerization of an ethylenically unsaturated monomer composition containing more than 90%, by weight, based on the total weight of said monomer composition of vinyl halide of the formula:

Halogen CHz=C wherein Z is hydrogen or halogen and less than of another ethylenically unsaturated comonomer copolymerizable therewith in the presence of an aliphatic polymercaptan compound having at least 3 mercaptan groups per molecule wherein the mercaptan group is attached to the remainder of the molecule by means of aliphatic carbon atom of the formula:

the free bonds of the carbon atom being attached to aliphatic, aromatic or inorganic moieties and n being an integer of at least 3, said polymercaptan compound being present during polymerization in an amount based on SH equivalence of from 0.00015 to about 0.05 equivalence SH per mole of monomer in said monomer composition.

2. The vinyl polymer as recited in claim 1 wherein said vinyl halide is selected from the group consisting of vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride and mixtures of vinyl chloride and vinylidene chlorde.

3. The vinyl halide polymer as recited in claim 1 wherein said monomer composition consists of 100% vinyl halide monomer.

4. The vinyl halide polymer as recited in claim 3 wherein said vinyl halide monomer is vinyl chloride.

5. The vinyl halide polymer as recited in claim 1 wherein said comonomer is selected from the group consisting of monoolefinic hydrocarbons; diolefinic hydrocarbons, styrenes, halosubstituted styrenes, monoethylenically unsaturated mono and dicarboxylic acids including their esters, amides, nitriles and halo-substituted derivatives; and monovinyl ethers, divinyl ethers and their thio ethers. 1

6. The vinyl halide polymer as recited in claim 1 wherein said polymercaptan compound has from 3 to 5 mercaptan groups per molecule.

7. The vinyl halide polymer as recited in claim 1 wherein said polymercaptan is a low molecular weight polymeric polymercaptan material having a molecular weight of up to about 3000 and at least 3 mercaptan groups per molecule.

8. The vinyl halide polymer as recited in claim 1 wherein said polymercaptan is selected from the group consisting of pentaerythritol tetra-(3-mercaptopropionate); pentaerythritol tri(3-mercaptopropionate); pentaerythritol tetrathioglycolate; trimethylolethane ri(3- mercaptopropionate); trimethylolethane trithioglycolate; trimethylolpropane tri (3-mercaptopropionate); trimethylolpropane trithioglycolate; and mixtures thereof.

9. The vinyl halide polymer as recited in claim 1 wherein said polymercaptan is used in an amount of from about 0.00015 to about 0.005 equivalence SH per mole of monomer in said monomer composition.

10. The vinyl halide polymer as recited in claim 1 wherein said polymercaptan is used in an amount of from about 0.0003 to about 0.002 equivalence SH per mole of monomer in said monomer composition.

11. The vinyl halide polymer as recited in claim 1 wherein said free radical polymerization is conducted using suspension polymerization techniques.

12. A solution coating composition comprising a solvent solution of the vinyl halide polymer of claim 1.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,364,182 l/1968 Griffith 260--79 3,219,588 11/1965 La Combe et al. 252-426 DONALD E. CZAJA, Primary Examiner M. I. MARQUIS, Assistant Examiner US. Cl. X.R.

117-l35.1;2609 R, 13, 32.8 R, 41 R, 45.7 S, 45.75 K, 79.5 C, 87.7, 92.8 R, 92.8 W, 884

W050 I "UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 5 6g CERTIFICATE CORRECTIQN Patent No, 5,696, OBj I bated 0C tober 5, 97 Inventofls) Jesse- C i H- Hwa I It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 1, line "5h, delete "moonmer" and insert monomer Column 1, line M7, delete "pressed" and insert present Column 5, line 57, in the formula, "SH" should be preceded by v-. Column T, line 11, after "agent" delete "or" and insert and Column 10, line +6, delete "water" and insert work Column 11, line 1,

after the word "plus" delete "a". Column 15, line 51 in Table IV under Base the last column after +5 seconds delete "P-E"' and insert P-F Column 1 line 5 delete"gi\ es" and insert give Column l7, line delete "proved" and insert rovide V 1 Column 17, line "5 after "initiatory'insert such Column l9, line 5 last line of Claim 2, delete chlorde" I and insert chloride Column 20, line 21,, in claim 8, after trimethylolethane, delete "ri" and insert --tri Signed and sealed this 8th'dey of May 1973'.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR}. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Attestlng officer Commissioner of Patents 

